Chet Rakocinski

Chet Rakocinski is Professor in the Division of Coastal Sciences at the University of Southern Mississippi, researching marine and estuarine ecology. His work examines benthic community dynamics in Gulf of Mexico ecosystems.

Research focuses on anthropogenic impacts on coastal systems, including hypoxia effects on oyster reef communities, artificial reef ecology, and post-oil spill recovery. Field studies integrate community ecology with biogeochemical process measurements.

Rakocinski's laboratory investigates trophic relationships, recruitment patterns, and ecosystem functions across nearshore habitats. Teaching emphasizes coastal sciences and ecological methodology.